Trinity International University's baseball program will kick off its 2010 campaign on February 25 as they head to Sarasota, FL to participate in the Goshen Invitational.The Trojans will open the season with a four game set against Goshen College (located in Goshen, IN), "With the snow on the ground here in IL, this is a great opportunity for us to open in warmth in Florida," said Head Coach Tom Raven, in his 3rd season.
The Trojans are optimistic about the 2010 season after a solid recruiting class of 16 bolsters a sometimes fickle lineup from a year ago. All 3 outfield positions will see new players beginning in left with Harper transfer Billy Smith, Montreat transfer Steven Collado in center and Morton transfer Anthony Mendoza in right. Newcomer, freshman Alex Winfield will see time as well.
TIU returns veteran infielders led by senior SS Phil Sims, who hit .388 a year ago with a .535 on base %. Pete Miller will split time at 2nd base and 3rd. Miller hit .367 with 51 RBI during the 2009 season. Junior Paul Wilson will see some play time at second and newcomer, freshman Rafael Mendez will back up at 3rd. Grossmont College transfer, Kevin Tenney will start at 1st base and hit in the middle of the lineup. He hit .306 a year ago.
The Trojans return two starting pitchers in seniors Owen Leflar and Drew Wicklund. Both look to hold down the top of a rotation which will feature three newcomers in RHP Anthony Mendoza, RHP Jon Pelles, and RHP Brendan Curletta. Returning junior, Nate Alvarado will see time as starter and relieving. He is coming off a season where he was the Trojans top relief man.
Holding down the bullpen to start the season begins with Waubonsee transfer Greg Hess. Hess struckout 46 in 41 innings last season and looks to give TIU a load of relief work which the Trojans seemed to lack a year ago. Joining him will be returners Nathan Beckman and Bart Castillo, as well as newcomer, Sam Chavez, Paul Grotolueschen and Adam Mills.